Getting one of the best gaming desks is one of the easiest and most tangible ways to dramatically improve your setup whether you play on a console or PC - and to improve your posture and health while working or playing.
The large surface area, increased weight capacity, and inclusion of quality-of-life features such as headphone hooks, built-in cable management, and the odd bit of RGB lighting make them ideal for creating perfect gaming and work setups.
We've spent hours and hours testing gaming desk of for both work and play - be that constant use in productive workspaces or long, late-night gaming sessions. We closely examine their feature set, dimensions, and desk space they offer as well as ergonomics, value for money, and compatibility with some of the best gaming chairs and extras so you can have confidence when browsing our shortlist.
The Quick List
Best overall
The Secretlab Magnus takes the top spot for its all-metal construction, sturdiness, and convenient features at a competitive price.
Best budget
The Homall gaming desk punches above its weight with functionality and quality you won't normally find in a sub-$100 / £100 release.
Best premium
Taking everything that was good about the original model, the Pro XL variant adds sit-to-stand functionality combined with a larger size and enhanced cable management.
Best L-shaped
With its corner-friendly design, the Eureka EGD 60 can easily go into the left or right side of a room maximizing otherwise limited space.
Best RGB
The Cooler Master GD160 ARGB excels with its incomparable ARGB functionality leading to customization no other gaming desk can match.
Best heavy-duty
With its 300lb load capacity and tank-like construction, the Mojo Gamer Pro is a great choice for anyone wanting to store as much gear as possible.
I've reviewed some of the best gaming desks in recent years myself, and love the fact that they are now an integral part of any good gaming setup - and any setup that promotes physical health as well as an enjoyable gaming environment. I've gone from a basic corner desk to Herman Miller's elegant but limited-on-features standing desk, to now having the brilliant SecretLab Magnus Pro at home and in use so can appreciate the benefits (and investment) that changing to better desks can have. I've also curated guides and commissioned and edited many, many gaming desk reviews in my time testing gaming furniture and gear so know a thing or two about what makes a good one.
Best gaming desk overall
✅ Good cable management is a must: The Secretlab Magnus' ingenious and seamless cable management solution means you won't have to mess around with your wires much when installing.
✅ You have a lot of gaming gear: With a 220lb load capacity, the Secretlab Magnus is heavy-duty enough for even the most intense setups full of computers, consoles, monitors, and peripherals.
❌ You're working to a budget: For as much as we love the Secretlab Magnus gaming desk, it does happen to be one of the most expensive options on the market right now. You may want to check out an alternative in our roundup if you're after something cheaper.
The Secretlab Magnus tops our list as the best gaming desk that money can buy. With its all-metal construction, excellent modularity, cable management solution, and impressive weight capacity, there's little more you can ask for out of a high-end model.
Price and availability: While the Secretlab Magnus is ultimately great value for money, it doesn't exactly come cheap. You can expect to pay a base price of $499 / £499 / AU$679 before including any accessories or extras at an additional expense. It's currently available in the US, the UK, and Australia as well as other regions, and is quite easy to get your hands on thanks to worldwide shipping. Depending on where you are in the world, you can pick it up in other colorways or with eSports and comic book branding.
Design and features: There was truly no expense spared when forging the Secretlab Magnus. It's made up of steel and fibreboard for a strong, premium finish from the legs to the tabletop itself. While the desk is slim in approach, it's certainly heavy duty with its 220lb load capacity thanks to the metal frame instead of wood or plastic. Features-wise, there's an exceptional cable management tray that attaches underneath to catch any rogue wire as well.
Performance: In our testing, we found that the Secretlab Magnus held up remarkably well in the many hours of use. That's due to just how expertly crafted it is, combined with that stellar weight capacity; able to take on all our monitors with no sign of flexing or wobbling. The only minor issue we ran into was with the height adjustment which has to be done manually. It can be a little tricky at first but eventually isn't too much of a problem once you learn how it works.
- Read more: Secretlab Magnus Metal Desk review
Best budget gaming desk
✅ You want a competitively priced gaming desk: There are few gaming desks from quality brands under $99 / £99, so if you're on a tight budget this one more than suffices.
✅ You want a variety of sizes: The Homall gaming desk comes in three separate sizes so you're able to find the one which best fits your available space.
❌ You want a more premium gaming desk: For as impressive as the Homall gaming desk is, it's very much a case of getting what you pay here. If you want to spend a bit more for the mid-range then there are other options in our list.
When we think of the best budget gaming desk, few offer the functionality and quality of the Homall gaming desk. While it may be unassuming by its name, this is a fantastically built and durable product that includes features that few models in its price point can match.
Price and availability: For $89.99 / £94, the Homall punches above its weight. This affordable yet reliable gaming desk is available in the UK and the US both from Amazon and directly from the Homall website. At this price point, the Homall offers excellent value-for money - ideal for those buying on a budget.
Design and features: This affordable desk offers not only a full metal frame and treated carbon fiber tabletop, but also quality-of-life extras such as a cable management tray, a headphone hook, and a cup holder at a price that's hard to argue against. The Homall also boasts a pleasing design while coming in a variety of pleasing colorways including black, red, pink gray and white. The desktop is carbon fibre too, providing a sci-fi look that's resistant to wear and tear.
Performance: The one main drawback is the building process itself, which appears to be more fiddly and basic than some of the mid-range and leading options in our list. However, if you're handy with a screwdriver and take your time, it ultimately isn't going to be an issue. The reputation of this gaming desk is near perfect thanks to its affordability and sturdy construction, assisted by a robust Z-shaped structure. It's not the most glamourous choice out there, but, when it comes to value for money, you'd be hard pressed to do better.
Best premium gaming desk
✅ You want a large surface to game on: The Secretlab Magnus Pro XL is massive, however, the space is smartly optimized for as much gear as you need to load.
✅ Your setup has no compromises: With its increased weight-bearing load of 260 lbs, the Magnus Pro XL is durable enough to take on even the heaviest gaming monitors and PCs.
❌ You want something smaller: While we personally enjoy the extra 30% increase of the Magnus Pro XL, it could be too big for some setups.
The Secretlab Magnus Pro XL takes everything that worked with the original model and innovates on it in new and impressive ways. Boasting a new sit-to-stand feature, an increased tabletop size, and even a power delivery column, if money is no object then this is the definitive high-end gaming desk to beat.
Price and availability: While the original version was somewhat competitively priced, the Secretlab Magnus Pro XL is certainly on the higher end of things. It currently retails for $949 / £829 / AU$1229 and is easily available in the US, the UK, and Australia among other regions. As with the first model, accessories and different designs will mean rates ultimately vary.
Design and features: The biggest strength of the Secretlab Magnus Pro XL is the fact that it is now a sit-to-stand gaming desk which gives you increased versatility. That's not all, though. Because new to this variant is a power supply column which means you can route any cables or in-line strip extenders cleanly away, which is a really nice touch. It also fixes our only real complaint with the first Magnus. Rather than having to adjust the desk by hand, now this functionality is entirely motorized, and the motors themselves are quick and quiet.
Performance: The extra room and enhanced modularity of the Secretlab Mangus Pro XL make it ideal whether you're gaming or working from home. In our testing, we found that the new built-in cable management improved upon the original for a seamless experience, and the extra weight capacity of 260 lbs (compared to the 220 lbs of the first version) was no exaggeration. Ultimately, if you have the money there's little that surpasses the Magnus Pro XL at this point.
- Read more: Secretlab Magnus Pro review
Best L-Shaped gaming desk
✅ You want a versatile gaming desk: The fact that the Eureka EGD 60 can be used both sitting and standing means you've got a lot of options for both work and play.
✅ You have limited room: The L-shape of the Eureka EGD 60 means it's ideal for filling cramped spaces while ensuring you have enough room for your setup.
❌ You want something that's a breeze to assemble: The Eureka EGD 60 isn't the easiest gaming desk we've ever put together, so if you struggle assembling furniture, we recommend an alternative or getting some help on hand as some bits are fiddlier than others.
If you're someone who works in a more cramped environment or wants to better optimize corner space then the Eureka EGD 60 could be ideal for you. With its competitive price point, quality construction, and a suite of features, this is one gaming desk you won't want to miss out on if unconventional is the name of the game.
Price and Availability: The Eureka EGD 60 is available for $499 / £379 (around AU690) which firmly places itself in the upper end of gaming desks. It was previously only available in the US but is now available in the UK through most major outlets. It can also be shipped to Australia, however the Eureka EGD 60 doesn't appear to be natively available in this region yet.
Design and features: You're able to order the Eureka EGD 60 with the L-shape angled to either the left or the right, meaning it can suit either side of the room in which it will be placed. There's an all-over carbon fiber wrap combined with pre-drilled cable grommets for easy cable management and installation, too. What's more, unlike many other gaming desks at this price point, you've got the option to go sitting or standing because there's a fully functional motorized lift system as well.
Performance: In our testing, we found that the 220 lbs load-bearing capacity was more than enough for multiple machines, including desktops and laptops, and more than one monitor. Being able to stack a good amount of weight in the corner gave us extra overhead for testing and working which is greatly appreciated. This, combined with the cable management solutions, makes for a gaming desk that's hard to beat for the price.
- Read more: Eureka EGD 60 review
Best RGB gaming desk
✅ You want a visually expressive desk: The ARGB on this gaming desk makes it one of the most visually customizable as you're able to tweak via PC.
✅ You want a desk that can also stand: The Cooler Master GD160 ARGB works both sitting and standing so it's perfect to work from home or sit down with a gaming chair.
❌ Cable management needs to be top tier: While the cable management options aren't necessarily bad, we've seen better from similarly priced options like the Secretlab Magnus.
For those in the market for a gaming desk that illuminates the setup, the Cooler Master GD160 ARGB is the frontrunner. With its intelligent and thorough lighting, combined with the stellar style and competitive price point, you can have all the lights you want without compromising the quality of the product.
Price and availability: The Cooler Master GD160 ARGB is wildly available in the US, the UK, and Australia for $899.99 / £699 / AU$1,399 making it one of the pricier options in our roundup. Thankfully, it enjoys sales on occasion so you may find it cheaper than this.
Design and features: The big highlight of the Cooler Master GD160 ARGB has to be the gorgeous lighting which can be customized to your liking. The system is accessible via USB which can be tweaked on your PC or laptop. It's something we've never seen on any other gaming desk boasting RGB - the GD160 puts its competitors to shame. As a desk itself, we have been consistently impressed by the large water-resistant worktop and the steel/aluminum construction. It feels premium as you would hope from the price.
Performance: While the build quality and lighting effects impress, the performance of the Cooler Master GD160 ARGB is equally good across the board. We found that the collision detection sensor meant that there were no worries about knocking anything when raising or lowering, and we had no complaints with the generous 220lbs weight capacity either.
- Read more: Cooler Master GD160 ARGB review
Best heavy-duty gaming desk
✅ You want to put everything on your desk: If you're someone who owns a lot of gear, then the Mojo Gamer Pro is for you. Its hefty weight limit is unmatched.
✅ You need versatility: The modularity of the Mojo Gamer Pro is hard to argue against. That's because you're getting a monitor arm, CPU hanger, and a magnetic power strip included at no added cost.
❌ You live outside of the US: If you live in the UK or Australia, or anywhere else for that matter, then this is one gaming desk that's off the table for you.
The Mojo Gamer Pro is about as heavy-duty as gaming desks get. A veritable tank, this hardy specimen can take on 300lbs (165kg) which is far more than many other models in our list. Combine this feat with great cable management and extras you won't in other models and this is solid all around.
Price and availability: What prevents the Mojo Gamer Pro from climbing higher in our list is the fact that it isn't widely available. It is currently on offer in the US for $979.99 (roughly £763 / AU$1,456) but cannot be shipped to other places. This could change, and if you're based in the States. For those in the UK and Australia, however, you'll want to consider an alternative.
Design and features: The Mojo Gamer Pro features an ergonomic curve which makes slotting a chair underneath a painless experience overall. The tabletop itself is made of wood, but coated in a resilient, scratch-resistant material that held up to our tests. There are also pre-drilled cable grommets, too, but the dedicated cable management tray has to be one of the nicest we've used in a long time.
Performance: The motors on the Mojo Gamer Pro are silent and quick, which makes raising and lowering easy to do regardless of how much weight you load up onto it. We did find that the controls themselves are incredibly sensitive, meaning you could brush past and trigger the panel by mistake. Fortunately, the anti-collision tech works really well, so we didn't run into any problems more than being a little surprised now and then. There's little we can fault this one given all the features.
- Read more: Mojo Gamer Pro review
How to choose the best gaming desk
Approaching a new gaming desk can seem overly complicated at times given how many are on the market. However, concentrating on a few factors can really help you see the woods for the trees.
Budget
As arguably the biggest bits of gaming furniture you can buy, it really pays to think hard about budget. Have a budget that's ideal for you, and have one that you could stretch to if the offering is right. You can usually get ruthless and trade away some features that aren't essential if you need to push it further, and you can rely on sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday to bring about price cuts that can really help too. A warranty can often help soften the blue and offer peace of mind for larger purchases too - after all, ensuring you have the right desk ergonomically could be something well worth investing in.
Stationary or standing?
More and more gaming desks are geared toward work as well as play and that's brought a move to offer electronic sit-to-stand functionality. Thinking about this can narrow down your shortlist too - as well as bring others into it.
Size
A simple and straightforward one but a factor that'll easily guide your hand when browsing the best gaming desks - think about what size is the absolute maximum that you can fit in your setup. Think about what's on the wall above it too if you're going for a standing desk, and then also think about how much space it leaves you to be sat in a chair at the desk.
Features
As well as sit-to-stand functionality, there's plenty that gaming desks can offer now and it'll help if you narrow this down to groups of 'must haves' and 'would be nice to haves'. Thinking about factors such as integrated storage, lighting, cable management, PC and headset holders, and monitor arm compatibility can be very helpful.
How we test gaming desks
We strive to get hands on with all the gaming desks we can and will always aim to get those in for review where we haven't yet. However, our process and approach to testing remains the same: at its core is that we live with these desks as much as you would. This means we can speak to how they perform day to day, and can concentrate on the elements and features that you most highly value.
We interrogate and evaluate construction, as we build the desks, we utilise all the cable management features a desk may have to see how useful they actually are, we use them with all our gaming gear and hardware to test the weight capacity but also the total area of space they offer, and we get to know them.
This means you can have confidence in our recommendations and our approach; enhanced more by the fact that all of us at TechRadar Gaming use gaming desks everyday, be they cheap and cheerful ones or premium options.
We go into further detail in our guide on how to choose the best gaming desk in our dedicated guide. Also, it always helps to see where you can save money so always consider our best gaming desk deals roundup, too.
Also tested...
We've tested a fair few desks at TechRadar, and have included a selection below for extra consideration. These are particularly good desks if you want your gaming setup to look a bit more like an office one, or you just prefer a more pared back aesthetic - without losing the quality.
Best gaming desks - FAQs
Is it worth getting a gaming desk?
Gaming desks are a great addition to your setup because they offer enhanced functionality over a standard computing desk. Whether this means being able to carry more weight, having the ability to raise and lower, or additional extras, they are a good way to further personalize your gaming space.
Is an L-shaped desk good for gaming?
If you want to have a corner gaming setup or are working with limited room then an L-Shaped gaming desk, such as the Eureka EGD 60, is a good option. You have more overall room while minimizing the extra length of the main body.
What is the best size for a gaming desk?
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
While it's very tempting to answer this with a 'the bigger the better' response, the fact is, the best size for a gaming desk will be extremely particular to each person's setups and requirements.
Broadly speaking, more workspace will make your setup feel more spacious and airy, but no one wants an oversized desk taking up too much of a small room, or even have part of a big desk poking out beyond a corner either. The best size is going to be one that slots nicely into your desired spaces in your room and still allows you to sit at it comfortably in a chair and roll out about a bit.
Also, think about the leg positioning of the desk, and if you're going for a standing desk, what's on the wall above your desk - you don't want to smash into shelves or picture frames constantly.
Remember, even if you go for a desk that has a surface space smaller than you wanted, you can always claim some of that back but finding a solution for your PC underneath it, using monitor arms for your screens, and utilizing cable management systems too.
Are standing desks good for gaming?
Absolutely, standing desks are good for gaming! Due to their benefits for posture, health, and staying moving or active, plenty of players, streamers, broadcasters, and creators use standing desks for play and for work nowadays. It might take some getting used to, but many of us never look back after making the switch, and even standing for half or quarter of a day at a time can be great for your health - and won't impact your ability to play games at all.
To complete your research in this area, check out our guides to the best standing desk, but also the best office desks and the best office chairs to cover all of your bases.
What are the best features of a good gaming desk?
A great gaming desk will, first and foremost, need to have enough surface space to accommodate your setup and what you need to literally be on its top. This is a key feature and one that should be at the top of any list of what makes a good desk, well, good. Beyond that, we really value features like a sit-to-stand functionality, cable management, integrated power sourcing, RGB lighting, and accessories such as headset holders, monitor arms, PC holders and changeable tops or mats. The more of those you have, combined with the amount of space then you'll be on to a winner.
What are the best gaming desk brands?
In the year 2024, it's very hard to look past Secretlab when it comes to the best gaming desks. The brand's Magnus Pro and regular Magnus are just so good that these are always the ones we recommend whenever someone asks us. Covering both static and sit-to-stand types of desks, the Magnuses are sheer excellence in desk form.
Elsewhere, however, you might have luck with brands like Corsair, and Arozzi, budget names like Homall are popular on Amazon, and even Herman Miller do gaming desks too.
Is Black Friday a good time to buy a gaming desk?
Absolutely yes! We often see great Black Friday gaming desk deals during the wider Black Friday sales and considering desks can demand sizeable price tags, saving money in the November sales is about the best time of the entire year to buy one.
From the big brands and best desks like the Secretlab Magnus Pro all the way down the spectrum to cheaper desks from the likes of Homall, we see discounts across all categories and types of gaming desk.
Because we're so well versed in both gaming desks and tech deals, you can trust us to highlight the very best deals and prices on quality products that are actually worth your time and money, come the big day.
